Nio EP9 1.341hp World's Fastest Electric Supercar

Enter the Matrix: NextEV Launches Nio EP9, a Chinese Electric Supercar

After flexing its muscles in Formula E, NextEV is taking its knowledge to the world of roadgoing production vehicles under its new Nio automotive brand. The Chinese company will release a mass-production vehicle in its home market in 2017; however, in an attempt to attract consumer attention, Nio is kicking things into gear with the unveiling of this all-electric EP9 supercar.

Powered by four electric motors, the low-slung supercar has a combined 1341 horsepower, which is dispatched to all four wheels. At 3825 pounds, the 192.4-inch-long EP9 is a lightweight by EV standards, weighing in some 1000 pounds less than the Tesla Model S P90D.

Unsurprisingly, NextEV claims that the EP9 is seriously quick: Reaching 124 mph from a standstill takes just 7.1 seconds, and the top speed is rated at approximately 194 mph. A set of four-wheel disc brakes with massive, 16-inch rotors at all four corners rein in that power. All four discs, clamped by six-piston calipers, are mounted behind staggered-size tires and wheels measuring 19 inches up front and 21 inches in the rear. Keeping the EP9 stuck to the ground are a host of aerodynamic aids that allow the low-slung EV to produce nearly 5400 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.

The resulting combination of horsepower, handling, and stopping power enabled the EP9 to circle the Nürburgring Nordschleife with its 73 turns in 7:05.12—3.56 seconds faster than the Nissan GT-R NISMO and only 5.39 seconds behind the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce.

When driven more normally, NextEV claims the EP9 can travel approximately 265 miles on a charge. Refilling the battery pack with electrons takes a reasonable 45 minutes; however, the car’s empty battery packs can be swapped for a pair of new ones in just eight minutes.